Webinars or web conferences have become a powerful tool to market your product/service or teach a subject. People attend webinars from the comfort of their computer which is the main reason they have become so popular for sales presentation and distance learning.

Another good use that I discovered recently is to use a web conference for customer service. A client of mine was having some technical problems and I decided to use a webinar to instruct my client on how to resolve their problems.

I have a pro account with DimDim a service that allows me to conduct webinars on the spot or schedule them for a later time. I chose DimDim after reviewing several applications because of it’s easy to use interface and people do not have to install any 3rd party software to participate in a webinar.

Using DimDim I am able to share my computer screen with my client and talk to them at the same time as I guide through the steps to solving their technical problem.  If I need to I can invite someone else to join us and they can share their computer screen or show a multimedia presentation.  Additionally, I recorded the web conference so they can refer to it later if the problem presents itself again.

What to look for in a web conference solution:

1. Desktop sharing: it might become extremely useful to let participants share their desktops.  Somebody wants to make a point about the presenter’s exposition. Another one can show a demo of their software.  A good conferencing service allows the presenter to give temporary control over his or her desktop for interactive collaboration between meeting participants.

2. Application integration: Any good web conferencing software can seamlessly integrate with the most popular email and instant messaging applications out there. This throws off the learning curve involved in mastering an online meeting. Additionally, you want a web conferencing solution that integrates social media sharing of your presentation and marketing efforts.

3. Servicing availability: The great thing about conferences held through the World Wide Web is that you can expect to hold a meeting whenever, wherever you want. Make sure your potential conference provider guarantees 24/7  availability.

4. Flat rate: Be wary not to fall into per-minute conferencing service schemes that suck your wallet clean. The most reasonable pricing solution in web conferencing software comes down to a low cost flat rate on a monthly or yearly basis. This way you not only save on web conferences, you can also budget your expenses more intelligibly.

5. Audio and video support: A picture is worth a thousand words. A video is worth a thousand pictures.  These features may not be necessary for every individual or business, but for online presentations and webinars they become invaluable.

6. Easy to use: Ideally, you don’t want an application that requires a lot of understanding of technical stuff such as internet protocols and deep software configuration. A web conferencing solution should be as easy to use as any plug and play device for your PC.

7. Easy to install: Nowadays, international conferencing doesn’t need to be exhaustingly complex to install. By making use of the internet and the flexibility of today’s most famous operating systems, conference services should be as easy to use as your favorite instant messaging application.

Web conferencing can prove invaluable to your sales and training team and provide another tool for your customer service  staff.